Questions?

Where can I see where I’m allowed to go in the outdoors?

The New Zealand Walking Access Commission’s Walking Access Mapping System is a good place to start. It shows publicly accessible land across New Zealand, aerial and topographical maps, and the locations of many walking and biking tracks and trails.

How do I know what the rules are if I’m walking across someone’s land?

The Outdoor Access Code provides comprehensive information about accessing private land. It lays out some basic rules about how to behave responsibly when accessing private land. This practical guide, which also includes information on a range of other outdoor-related issues from fire safety to dog-walking, can be found here on the New Zealand Walking Access Commission's website. A summary of the information in the Code can be found on the Follow the Kiwi Way page of this site.

Where can I check the weather before going into the outdoors?

New Zealand’s outdoors can be unpredictable so it is important to check the weather before you head out. Regional, mountain and marine forecasts can be found on the MetService website

What clothing and supplies should I take for my trip?

What you wear in the outdoors really matters. New Zealand’s weather can change quickly and you want to make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected. Check out the Gear Up! video and other useful outdoor tips, like what supplies to pack, on the Mountain Safety Council website.

Where do I find the Outdoors Intentions form to let someone know about my trip?

Whether you’re planning a day trip or you’re going on a week-long hike, you need to let someone know so that, if you are trapped, injured or lost, steps can swiftly be taken to lend assistance. The Outdoors Intentions form can be found on the AdventureSmart website.

Where can I find out about respecting the environment and conservation areas?

Our natural environment is unique and as New Zealanders we should do our best to treasure and preserve our inheritance, so it can be enjoyed by future generations. More information can be found on the Department of Conservation website.

How do I ensure I’m doing the right thing when I am accessing Māori land?

Māori land is privately-owned land and does not have public access rights. Permission must be sought from the owners or those authorised by them. Information should also be requested about the relevant tikanga (customs or protocols) to be observed on that land. To avoid causing serious offence, make sure you look at the Walking Access and Māori Land Q&A on the Walking Access Commission's website.

Where can I find tips and suggestions on where to go in the NZ outdoors?

There are many sites offering helpful advice about where to go in New Zealand. The Find a Walk page of this website is a good start, but there are many other helpful resources, from tourism websites and council sites, to the Department of Conservation's website. As part of its 50th anniversary, the Mountain Safety Council has released a list of its 50 favourite family experiences. Check out the list, and start exploring.

News

School children across New Zealand are photographing, drawing and describing their favourite places as part of a national competition celebrating enjoyment of the great outdoors.The Top Outdoor Spot competition began today on the Walking Access Commission’s Both Sides of the Fence education website.The website provides resources for teachers to use with their students to promote responsible behaviour in the outdoors.&quot;It’s always great to see the wonderful drawings, photos and poems that students write about their favourite outdoor spots,&quot; said Eric Pyle, Chief Executive of the Walking Access Commission.&quot;New Zealand is lucky to have so many beautiful places we can go, from beaches to rivers, from mountains to forests, and seeing them through children’s eyes brings a new sense of wonder.